Purpose Statement

Our Nature

This Convention is, and shall ever remain, only and solely a medium through which Southern Baptist churches may work harmoniously and cooperatively with each other, promoting the work and objects set forth in these Bylaws. This Convention does not have, nor shall it ever have, any ecclesiastical authority over any association, church or the messengers of the churches as to limit the autonomy of the local association and church.

More About Our Purpose

This Convention is organized for missionary, educational and benevolent purposes and not for profit. No stock or shares shall be required or issued and no dividends or profits shall be declared. No part of the income shall be distributed to its members, directors or officers except the payment of reasonable compensation for services rendered. It is established to encourage and motivate the making of gifts, donations and benefactions by deed, will, gift, annuity contract or otherwise for the advancement, promotion, extension and maintenance of like causes and objectives now or at any time hereafter fostered by the STATE CONVENTION OF BAPTISTS IN INDIANA, INCORPORATED.

Limitations

The Convention shall have no ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the churches or associations cooperating with and contributing to the Convention; nor does it act as a legal arbitrator in case of differences between the churches or associations; nor does it interfere with the constitution/bylaws of any church or association.

Doctrine

The STATE CONVENTION OF BAPTISTS IN INDIANA adopts as its own expression of faith, THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 2000, as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in annual session.

Membership

Membership RequirementsMembers of the Corporation shall be autonomous, cooperating Southern Baptist churches located in the State of Indiana and adjoining states. The following criteria must be met to qualify as a cooperating church with the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana:(1) The church shall contribute annually through the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana Cooperative Program Budget and/or the State Mission Offering of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. These gifts must have been received within the last year, no later than the month ending prior to the annual meeting.(2) The church shall submit basic Annual Church Profile data (name, address, contact information, membership).(3) The church shall either be affiliated with a cooperating SCBI association or have been credentialed as an at-large church through the process adopted by the Executive Board of SCBI.

If a church fails to meet the criteria of a cooperating church, they will not be able to seat messengers at the State Convention annual meeting.

Credentialing RequirementsThe Credentials Committee, as defined in Article VIII, PART B, Section 3 (6), shall be responsible to make recommendations to the Executive Board concerning any church requesting at-large standing.